Last month researchers demonstrated that complex
thinking may provide a boost to the immune system. A new study
published in the February 13, 2002 issue of The Journal of the American
Medical Association suggests that mentally challenging activities may
protect people from Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists followed 740 members of the Catholic clergy (nuns, priests and
brothers) for an average of 4.5 years. At the start of the study, none of
these people had any signs of Alzheimer's disease. At each visit with the
scientists, the participants were asked about the time they spent doing
certain activities.

Activities Measured

Watching television

Listening to the radio

Reading newspapers

Reading magazines

Reading books

Playing games such as cards, checkers, crossword puzzles

Going to museums

Each person received points for how often they
engaged in each activity:

5 points for every day or about every day

4 points for several times a week

3 points for several times a month

2 points for several times a year

1 point for one a year or less.

The scientists then calculated an average activity score. Participants
were also given a series of 20 tests to measure their cognitive
abilities.

Over the follow-up years, 111 of the original participants developed
symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that more frequent
cognitive activity (higher activity scores) REDUCED the chance that a
person would develop symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, a 1-point
increase in the activity score was associated with a 33% reduction in the
risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The reason why increased cognitive activity reduces the risk for
Alzheimer's disease is not known. It may be that challenging mental
activities protect the brain from the damage of Alzheimer's disease or
somehow strengthen existing neuronal connections. Additional research is
necessary to discover the mechanisms that are responsible for these
findings. Nevertheless, this research reinforces the old saying about the
brain: